Abstract
Modern life has altered how communities function, with digital and suburban landscapes contributing to declining social interaction. Unlike historical communities, where members routinely engaged in shared spaces and acknowledged one another, contemporary society often isolates individuals, even in densely populated areas. Scholars like Jane Jacobs and Ray Oldenburg emphasized the importance of social spaces in fostering belonging, while Sherry Turkle argues that our sense of self emerges through conversation and relationships. Identity was co-constructed, shaped by reciprocal human engagement. At the same time, digital communication connects individuals across vast distances but does not necessarily cultivate the recognition and continuity that are necessary for community. As Mark Poster suggests, digital engagement places us in a vast global network. But this does not equate to genuine community. This study interrogates the tension between groups and communities, considering how digital platforms and transient attachment often fail to provide stability and accountability. By examining the implications of identity formation and community, this research engages with themes of globalization, human affiliation, and the shifting nature of civic and cultural participation. Ultimately, it explores whether we can sustain meaningful communities in a world where both physical and digital interactions are increasingly transient, and what the consequences may be for human connection and belonging.
Presenters
Christa MenningerAssociate Professor, Humanities, History, and Modern Languages, Seminole State College of Florida, Florida, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Civic, Political, and Community Studies
KEYWORDS
Community, Identity, Globalization, Digital Spaces, Connection, Belonging
